Subaru Forester

We'll send you an email whenever there's new information about the Subaru Forester.

Alert Me!

Thank you! We will notify you when reviews, news, and incentives are released for this vehicle.

What will I get by subscribing to email updates?

At The Car Connection we are continually striving to get you timely, relevant information about the vehicle you are interested in. Our email updates will notify you whenever we have new information on this vehicle.

For example:

new car reviews for this model by our editors

news including price changes, new models, or recall info

new incentives and rebates that are being offered for this vehicle

Our goal is to keep you informed as you research!

We'll send you an email whenever there's new information about the Subaru Forester.

Alert Me!

Thank you! We will notify you when reviews, news, and incentives are released for this vehicle.

The Subaru Forester crossover SUV is the brand's most utilitarian vehicle, even in comparison with the bigger Outback wagon and smaller XV Crosstrek hatchback. Forester competes with the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, among others. It's a tall wagon with standard all-wheel drive, slotted in the middle of the typical compact and mid-size range. For the 2016 model... Read More Below »

The Subaru Forester crossover SUV is the brand's most utilitarian vehicle, even in comparison with the bigger Outback wagon and smaller XV Crosstrek hatchback.

Forester competes with the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, among others. It's a tall wagon with standard all-wheel drive, slotted in the middle of the typical compact and mid-size range.

For the 2016 model year, the Forester adopts Subaru's new infotainment system, with a bigger, cleaner touchscreen interface.

There were few changes for the 2015 model year, but the Forester was extensively redesigned for 2014, and the latest version has sold in the largest number yet of any generation. Foresters have built their reputation on all-wheel drive, good ground clearance and functionality.

Subaru has 'mainstreamed' the Forester to some degree in the current generation, though it has avoided making the overall package larger. Today's Forester is about the same size as the outgoing 2013 model, but it manages to offer more rear-seat and cargo space, improved infotainment, and a sportier exterior. Its EPA gas-mileage ratings are as high as 32 mpg on the highway, which is a respectable number for any tall crossover vehicle with standard all-wheel drive—in fact, some competitors can't reach that number with their base front-drive models.

Today, the Forester offers a choice of two powertrains: a 170-hp, 2.5-liter flat four for the 2.5i, and a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four making 250 hp in the 2.0XT. Subaru's continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers a special Sport manual mode on the XT model that simulates eight distinct "gears." The less expensive trim levels with the naturally aspirated engine are still available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The new Forester has also made news on the safety front as the first 'small SUV' model to get a 'Good' rating in the new IIHS small overlap frontal crash test. It also receives the new Top Safety Pick+ stamp of approval. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Forester five stars overall, with four stars in the rollover and frontal crash categories. The Forester has also inherited Subaru's camera-based EyeSight active-safety tech package, which enables active cruise control, lane-departure warning, and other features.

Subaru offers a tS (tuned by STI) version of the Forester in other markets, but it has not been announced for North America yet. The STI brand is looking to expand here, however, so a high-performance crossover may be a possibility for the future.

Earlier Foresters

Since its launch in 1998, all Forester models have been essentially taller wagons built on the underpinnings of the compact Impreza sedan and hatchback. As the Forester gained in volume and reputation over its first decade, it entirely replaced the five-door Impreza wagon once that compact-car line was redesigned for 2008.

The first-generation Forester ran from 1998 through 2003, followed by a second generation that spanned model years 2004 to 2008. That second Forester was significantly restyled halfway through its life, with a new front end, tailgate, and rear lights added in the 2006 model year. The prior model was launched in 2009, and ran through 2013.

Although it launched just as the recession arrived, the 2009 Forester shattered sales records by hitting just the right spot in the highly competitive compact crossover market. New buyers were lured to the brand by a sticker price that started just around $20,000, along with high perceived value, and of course Subaru's standard all-wheel drive--which won't be found on any competitors.

For the outgoing generation, the Forester 2.5X model produced 170 horsepower from its 2.5-liter engine, with either a five-speed manual gearbox or an old four-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5XT turbo version, a significant upgrade, boosted power output to 224 hp.

While base Forester models have been practical but spartan, they've had a lengthy list of trim levels and options that easily pushed the top-level turbo model to the $30,000 mark. Those features have included a navigation system, along with a leather 10-way powered and heated driver's seat, and a moonroof, among other luxury options.

At long last, for the 2013 model year, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming became standard, along with a USB port and iPod capability. Steering-wheel audio controls were made standard as well, and a new Value Package bundled the popular All-Weather Package (heated seats and mirrors, plus wiper de-icer) with a display audio system and fog lights.

Used Subaru Forester Models

Since its 1998 launch, the Subaru Forester compact crossover has offered practical, no-nonsense utility for families, outdoor sports fans, and even practically-minded single owners. A notably restyled model in 2004, and then an all-new Forester in 2009 (just replaced for 2014), made the Subaru Outback’s little brother steadily more popular. Every one has a flat-four engine, manual or automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. Newer Foresters offer more upscale trim levels; earlier ones were pretty basic.

Your request for price quotes on the 2016 Subaru Forester has been sent.

Our dealer quote process is powered by our partner site CarsDirect. Your request for a fast, free price quote on a
2016 Subaru Forester is in process. The CarsDirect Dealer(s) you selected will contact you shortly.

If you have questions, you can contact CarsDirect's award-winning customer service team at 1.888.CarsDirect (1.888.227.7347) or VIPexperience@carsdirect.com

For your reference, your customer transaction number is .

There are no dealers in our network that are located near ZIP code.

With competitive price quotes from multiple dealers, you will be prepared when you meet your local car dealer.
Please tell us how to contact you so that dealers can compete for your business!

Select from the list below to get competitive price quotes from Subaru dealers near ,

We are committed to your privacy. By submitting this form you agree the phone number you provided may be used to contact you (including autodialed or pre-recorded calls). Consent is not a condition of purchase.